A chipped tooth, a large cavity, or a cracked tooth can not only affect your smile’s aesthetics but also compromise your ability to chew comfortably. Fortunately, modern dentistry offers a reliable and long-lasting solution: dental crowns.
Dental crowns, also known as caps, are tooth-shaped restorations that are placed over a damaged tooth to restore its strength, functionality, and appearance. Here in Sharpsville, finding a dentist who specializes in dental crowns is easy, ensuring you receive the best possible care.
What are Dental Crowns Made Of?
Dental crowns come in various materials, each with its advantages and disadvantages. Here’s a breakdown of the most common types:
Porcelain Crowns: These crowns offer the most natural-looking results, mimicking the translucency and color of your natural teeth. They are a good choice for front teeth or highly visible areas. However, they may be slightly less durable than some other materials.
Metal Crowns: Traditionally made of gold or a high-strength alloy, metal crowns are incredibly durable and long-lasting. They are a good option for back teeth that endure significant chewing pressure. However, their metallic color can be aesthetically unappealing for front teeth.
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crowns: These crowns combine the strength of a metal substructure with the aesthetics of porcelain. They offer a good balance between durability and natural appearance, making them a popular choice for both front and back teeth.
Zirconia Crowns: Zirconia is a strong, biocompatible material that provides a natural-looking, white crown. They are a good option for patients with metal allergies or who desire a highly aesthetic solution.
The Dental Crown Procedure in Sharpsville
Getting a dental crown typically involves two appointments with your dentist in Sharpsville. Here’s a breakdown of the process:
First Appointment: During the first appointment, your dentist will thoroughly examine the damaged tooth and take X-rays to assess the root health and surrounding bone. They will then prepare the tooth for the crown by removing any decay or damaged tooth structure. An impression of the prepared tooth and surrounding teeth will be taken. A dental lab uses this impression to create a custom-made crown that perfectly fits your tooth. A temporary crown will be placed to protect the prepared tooth while the permanent crown is being fabricated.
Second Appointment: At the second appointment, your dentist will remove the temporary crown and carefully examine the fit and color of the permanent crown. Once they are satisfied, the permanent crown will be permanently cemented onto your tooth.
Advantages of Dental Crowns
Dental crowns offer numerous benefits, including:
Restores Strength and Functionality: Crowns reinforce and protect weak or damaged teeth, allowing you to chew comfortably and efficiently.
Improves Aesthetics: Crowns can recreate the natural shape, size, and color of your tooth, enhancing your smile’s appearance.
Protects Damaged Teeth: Crowns prevent further damage to a cracked, chipped, or heavily filled tooth, preventing the need for more extensive dental procedures in the future.
Improves Speech: Damaged teeth can sometimes affect your speech. Crowns can restore proper tooth structure and improve your ability to speak clearly.
Long-lasting Solution: With proper care, dental crowns can last for 10 to 30 years, providing a long-term solution for damaged teeth.
Dental crowns are a valuable tool in modern dentistry, allowing dentists in Sharpsville to restore the health, function, and beauty of your smile. If you have a damaged tooth, consulting with a dentist to discuss dental crowns is a great first step. They can assess your individual needs and recommend the best course of treatment to get you back to smiling with confidence.